Electric switch



G. J. MEUER ELECTRIC SWITCH July 2, 1940.

Fiie'd July 9, 193e 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 2, 1940. G. J. Maul-:R l2,206,102

aLlc'rnIc SWITCH l Filed July 9,- 19:58 s sheets-sheet 2 July 2, 1940-G. J. MEUER 2,206,102

ELICTRIC SWITCH Fild July 9, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IVIlI .94B ,96 85 a.i

Patented July 2, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE Cutler-Hammer, Inc.,

poration of Delaware Milwaukee, Wis., a cor- Application July 9, 1938,Serial No. 218,305

16 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches, and moreparticularly to concealed, door operated switches for electricrefrigerators and the like.

v5 A primary object of the invention is to provide an improved andsimplified form of door operated switch.

Another object is to provide novel operating means for such switches.

Another object is to generally improve the details of construction andarrangement of the parts of such door operated switches.

Another object is to facilitate assembly of the switch parts withrespect to the insulating supporting base.

Another object is to facilitate attachment of the circuit wires aftercomplete assembly of the switch parts, while providing simple means foreffecting concealment and protection of the wiring terminal connections.

Another object is to provide novel mounting means for the switch as awhole. i

Another object is to provide a novel form of strain relief for theterminal connections of the circuit wires.

Another object is to provide a switch having stationary and movablecontact elements of novel form.

Another and more specific object is to provide for concealed mounting ofa switch whereby the same may be operated by the radius arm of aConcealed hinge of a door.

Other objects and advantages of the inventionf will hereinafter appear.'Y y' The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of theinvention which will now be described, it being understood that theinvention is susceptible of embodiment in other forms withcut departingfrom the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a fragmentary View, in horizontal crosssection, of a refrigerator wall and door, showing the switch inelevation and the manner in which the same is operated by the radius armof the concealed hinge.

Fig. 2 is a plan view, actual size, of the switch. Fig. 3 is an enlargedplan view similar to Fig. 2, but with the metal supporting and coverplate and the insulating plates omitted for purposes of ,-,Uillustration.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section, on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section, on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vlongitudinal sectional view illustrating one ofthe combined contact and terminal members and the interlockingconnection between the same and the insulating base of the switch.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a modified 5 form of switch, with themetal supporting and cover plate and the insulating plates omitted forpurposes of illustration.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view, on the line 8--8 of Fig. 7, with the metalsupporting and cover plate and the insulating plates in position.

Fig. 9y is an enlarged plan View' of a further modified form of switch,with the metal supporting and cover plate and the insulating platesomitted. A 15 Fig. 10 is a sectional view, on .the line III-I0 of Fig.9, with the metal supporting and cover plate and the insulating platesin position.

Fig. l1 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly inV longitudinalsection, illustrating one of the combined-contact and terminal membersand the manner inwhich the same is maintained in assembled relation tothe insulating base of the Switch, and

Fig'. l2 is an end view of the switch shown in Figs. 10 and 1l,illustrating the simple manually operable means for releasably attachingthe complete switch to a bracket or the like, shown in section. z

Referring flrst to Figs. l to 6, inclusive, the numeral I5 designates aninsulating base adapted to be produced by a straight line moldingoperation. Base I5 is formedof suitable insulating material suchBakelite, the same being molded free from inserts .of any kind. Base I5is preferably of substantially rectangular contour (see Figs. 3 and 4),the same being of substantially greater length than width, and ofsubstantially greater width than thickness. As best illustrated in Fig.3, said base is provided adjacent one end 40- thereof with atransversely extending tortuous groove I6 which is adapted toaccommodate the insulation-covered through wire, shown in dotted linesat I1, of a two-Wire conductor or cord shown in dotted lines at I8. Theother wire I3 of cord 45 I8 is divided and the adjacent ends thereof arebaredand hooked, as shown in dotted lines at 20, whereby said ends maybe clamped in'position by the respective binding screws 2| which takeinto tapped openings provided in the terminal portions 22 of a pair vofcombined Contact and terminal members of like form.

Portions 22 of said combined contact and terminal members are preferablyof substantially rectangular'contour, and the sameare adapted 55 to seatwithin correspondingly shaped recesses 23 and 24, Figs. 3 and 6. Asshown in Fig. 6base I5 is further recessed to accommodate the downwardlyprojecting extrusions surrounding the tapped openings in portions 22,and to freely ac commodate the threadedshanks of said screws, a pair ofsumtantially cylindrical bosses` 25 and 26 being formed integrally withvthe surface I5i ing portions 22c of which elements are adapted to seator rest upon the upper edges of the re- Spective barriers 29, as shownin Figs. 3 and 6.

The adjacent vertical edges of the arms 221 are adapted for bridgingengagement by the converging sides or edges 30a and 36h of a contactor30 of substantially triangular contour. The sides 35a and 30", of saidcontacter are adapted to it closely against the correspondingly anglededges of a fiat punched insulating plate or carrier 3l,

plate 3l having an opening 52 vformed therein,-

and contactor 35 having an integral lug 55C extending through saidopening and bent over the inner surface of plate Si toward the forwardend of the latter, to secure said parts to each other.

Plate 3| is pivotally supported adjacent the for ward end of the fiatportion of a metal actuating member for the switch, as by means of arivet having a head 3d overlying a portion of one surface of said plate;a relatively large cylindrical shank portion 55 which freely penetratesa circular opening in said plate and is of slightly greater length thanthe thicknessI of plate 3|; said rivet having another shank portion 35of reduced diameter which penetrates an opening provided in said portion33 of the actuating member and is upset over the lower surface thereofas shown at 37.

Said actuating member is provided with a second fiat portion`33 (Figs. 3and 5) offset upwardly from the portion 33 thereof, and formedintegrally with portion 38 and extending upwardly at a right anglethereto is a lug 39 which is adapted to be engaged by the radiusarm it(Fig. l) of a concealed hinge 5I attached at one end to the refrigeratordoor t2, as by means of screws 43, the radius arm d@ being carried bythe hinge pin M located within the wall 55 of the refrigerator. Theupper edge 35B of lug 39 is preferably of arcuate contour, as bestillustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

The portion 33 of the actuating member is adapted for sliding engagementwith a ledge i5 (Fig. 4) in a plane below the upper surface i5 of basei5, and the portion 33 of the actuating member is adapted for slidingengagement with a ledge 45a in a plane only slightly below said surfacei5, a longitudinally extending slot or recess il (Figs. 4 and 5) beingprovided to afford clearance for the upset end 5l of the rivet, and toaccorrlimodatev the coiled compression spring 48. Spring ed is providedwith straight or flat end coils $85 and lieb, the end coil 55a beingyadapted to bear against the end wall la of recess W (Figs. 3 and 5), andthe end coil 5b being adapted to surround the lug 53S formed in tegrallywith and located in the plane of said portion 33 of the actuatingmember, said portion 33 and the connecting portion 49 between` the sameand portion 38 being cut away, as shown at 33b in Figs. 3 and 5, toprovide clearance for the spring.

The straight rear edge 3|a of plate 3| projects slightly beyond the rootof the lug 33e5 (Figs. 3 and 5), wherefore said edge is engaged by theend coil 48h to resiliently bias said plate 3| toward its centeredposition, with consequent centering of contacter 30. Spring 48 isassembled as shown in Figs. 3 and 5 under a predetermined degree ofcompression, whereby the actuating l member 33, 38 and plate 3|pivotally supported thereby are biased to a position to eiect bridgingengagement of contactor 30 with the adjacent edges of contact arms 22D.

Offset downwardly from the upper surface I5a of base I 5 are ledges I5b,I5c (Fig. 3) located in a plane flush with the upper surfaces of theaforementioned connecting portions 22. Seated upon said ledges I5, l5 isa iiat punched insulating plate 5G, the upper surface of which is flushwith the upper surface 55a of base I5. superimposed upon -surface i5aand plate. 5i! is a metal plate 5i of the contour best illustrated inFig. 2. Plate 5l is rigidly secured in position as by means of fourrivets 52, the heads of which are located in countersinks or recessesprovided in the lower surface of base l5, as shown in Fig. 4, and thehollow ends of which are upset over said plate, as shown in Figs. 2, iand 5; two of said rivets likewise penetrating registering openings inplate 55, whereby the latter is rigidly and permanently secured inposition. As best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, plate Sil clampinglyengages the connecting portions 22C of the combined contact and terminalmembers to positively retain the latter in assembled relation to baseI5, while providing for ready accessibility of the wiring terminalscrews 2| associated therewith.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, the rear end of plate 5l is provided with acut-out cr notch 5Ia of substantially rectangular contour to provideclearance for the aforementioned upstanding lug 35 of the actuatingmember. Said actuating member is normally biased by spring 48 to theposition thereof shown in Figs. 2 and 5, wherein the lamp circuit or thelike to be controlled by the switch is completed; and upon closure ofthe refrigerator door the radius arm 40 engages and moves lug 39 to theposition thereof shown in full lines in Fig. l and in dotted lines inFig. 5 to interrupt the controlled circuit.

Formed integrally with plate 5I and bentdownwardly at substantiallyright angles thereto at opposite sides of base i5 are a plurality oflugs 53, 5e, 55 and 56,'th'e free ends of which are preferably ofreduced width, as shown at 53a, 54a, 55a and 55a; said free ends beingbent outwardly and then inwardly, as best illustrated in Fig. 4 toprovide resilient cam surfaces whereby the complete switch may be.manually forced or snapped into engagement with a supporting element ofsuitable form.

As shown in Figs. l and i said supporting element preferably comprises ametal bracket 28 which may be an integral part of the supporting bar 5lfor the hinge member 5t (Fig. 1) and pin de. Bracket 23 is preferablyprovided with four circular openings, three of which are shown at 25a,2th and 28 in Figs. l and 4, said openings being of a size toaccommodate the aforementoned bent ends 53E, 55a, 55a and 56a of theresilient lugs. As best illustrated in Fig. 4, the outer walls of theopposed pairs of openings are that shown in Figs. 1 to 6. Certain partsmay so spaced as to require inward bending of the respective lugs as anincident to forcible insertion of the bent ends of the latter into saidopenings, the arrangement -being such that when the lower cam surfacesafforded by said bent ends have cleared the respective walls of saidopenings the upper cam surfaces (see Fig. 4) will resiliently engage thelower edges of said walls to carry base I5 into and retain the same inengagement with the exposed face of said bracket 51.

As aforestated the sides of bosses 25 and 26 abut against the edge 21 ofbracket 28 (see Figs. 1 and 4), this arrangement assisting inrestraining base I5 against endwise displacement relatively to saidbracket, particularly during movement of the switch parts to circuitinterrupting position.

The aforementioned plate 5I is provided with a narrow integral lug 5Iblocated in the plane thereof, the rounded free end of said lug beingbent upwardly to a slight extent, as indicated at 5Ic; said upwardlybent end of the lug being adapted to facilitate insertionv thereunder ofa at punched insulating plate 59, of rectangular contour as shown inFig. 2. Plate 59 is adapted to seat upon ledge portions 60, 6I (Fig. 3)located in the plane of the aforementioned ledges I5b, |51. Plate 59 isof the same thickness as the aforementioned plate and abuts at one endagainst the latter. The other three sides of plate 59 t snugly withinthe various wall portions I5d, I5, |51, |58 and I5h which are flush withthe aforementioned surface I5a of base I5.

The end wall portion I5d is preferably formed as shown at I5i to providea finger grip to facilitate removal of plate 59, asbest illustrated inFig. 5. Base I5 is provided with lateral grooves v62, 53, 54 and 65 toaccommodate the aforementioned through wire I1 and the endsof wire I9 ofcord I8. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5 plate 59 affords adequate closure orconcealment of the wiring terminal connections of the switch, and saidplate restrains through wire I1 against upward displacement from thetortuous passage I6, whereby a simple and eiiicient strain relief' forthe wiring terminal connections is provided, in the event of a pull orstrain upon cord I8.

Installation of the switch in the refrigerator wall is effected in avery simple manner. Thus, with the refrigerator door 42 open and priorto attachment of the usual insulating closure plate 66 (Fig. l) to therefrigerator wall 45, the switch is wired in the manner illustratedinFig. 3, and plate 59 is positioned as shown in Fig. 2. Thereupon theswitch may be positioned upon and secured to bracket 28 by pressing uponthe same, with one hand, until the aforementioned resilient lugs 53a to56a fully enter the respective openings in said bracket. The insulatingclo- `sure plate 66 may then be attached to wall 45 to affordconcealment of the hinge 4I and the switch. Spring 48 is of relativelylight construction, and hence only a very slight degree of energy isrequired to effect opening of the switch contactsas an incident toclosure of door 42. Opening of the switch contacts upon closure of thedoor is, of course. insured. The wedging action of the contactor 30against the adjacent edges of the stationary contacts insures a goodelectrical connection between these parts, and the cooperative shape ofthese parts is such as to automatically take up any wear incident tooperation of the switch.

'I'he modified form of switch illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 is in manyrespects quite similar to be identical with corresponding partsaforedescribed, and such parts have been designated by correspondingnumerals of reference. The insulating base 61 in Figs. 7 .and 8 is quitesimilar' to the base I5 aforedescribed. The top surface of base 61 isrepresented by the surface portions 61a, 61h, 61C and 61d located in acommon plane, said base being provided with downwardly offset ledges 68,69 located in a common plane to accommodate insulating plate 1|] (Fig.8) in a plane iiush with the uppersurface of said base.

Plate 10 overlies the portions 22c connecting the arms 22, 22b formingpart of the combined contact and terminal members, the terminal portionsof which are designated by numerals 22. Terminal portions 22, asaforedescribed, are provided with tapped openings to accommodate theshanks of binding screws 2|, and base 61 is provided with integralhollow bosses, one of which is shown at 1I in Fig. 8, to interiorlyaccommodate the Shanks of said screws, and exteriorly to abut one end ofa supporting bracket (not shown) in a manner similar to that illustratedin Fig. 1.

The bridging contactor as shown at 12 is of cylindrical cup shape, thebottom wall 12a thereof having a circular opening to rotatablyaccommodate the shank of a rivet 13, which shank likewise penetrates aregistering opening in a iiat, punched insulating plate 14. The head ofrivet 13 is located at the lower surface of plate 14 and the hollow endof said rivet is upset over said bottom wall 12?- of contactor 12 in amanner to retain said parts in assembled relation while providing forrotation of contactor 12 with respect to the rivet shank. In the circuitcompieting position of contactor 12 the same engages at spaced points inits periphery with the adjacent vertical edges of the stationary contactarms 22", 22h. y

Plate 14 is slidable along the bottom wall 15 of a longitudinallyextending substantially rectangular recess 16, a-centrally locatedrecess 11 opening to -said bottom wall 15. Recess 11 is adapted toprovide clearance for the head of rivet 13 (Fig. 8) and to accommodate aportion of the cross sectional area of a coiled compression spring 18,the rear end of which abuts an end wall 11a of a portion 11b-of recess11, which portion 11b is of aheight slightly greater than the crosssectional area of springV 18 and opens to a ledge 19 offset downwardlyfrom the upper surface of base 61.

Plate 14 is of the form best illustrated in Fig. 7, and contactor 12 isattached thereto in a manner to project beyond the forward end thereofthroughout a portion of the periphery of said contactor to insure properengagement of the latter with a pair of stationary contacts. Plate 14 isprovided at its rear end with a straight edge 14u (Fig. 1) from themid-portion of which an integral lug 14b projects rearwardly, as shownin Fig. 8. The forward end of spring 18 surrounds lug 14h and abutsagainst said edge 14e. provided with a fiat portion 80 the forward endof which overlies, to a slight extent, the upper surface of plate 14.Plate 14 is provided with a circular opening 14c and portion 80 isprovided at its forward end with a centrally located lintegral lug 80abent downwardly at a right angle to the plane thereof and penetratingthe opening 14c in plate 14 to provide a pivotal connection between saidparts.

The actuating member of the switch is spect of the means for attachingthe switch as a whole to a suitable supporting bracket.

I The molded insulating base 85 is shown as provided with a tortuousthrough-wire passage or groove 86, and laterally extending grooves 81and 88 which communicate with recesses 89 and Sli adapted to receive apair of combined contact and Wiring terminal members the terminalportions 9| of which are respectively provided with tapped openings forcooperation with the Shanks of binding screws 2l. Base 85 is providedwith a pair of downwardly projecting hollow bosses 92 and 93, which areinteriorly adapted to accommodate the Shanks of said binding screws andexteriorly adapted toabut an edgek portion of a supporting bracket 94(Fig. 12) of suitable form.

Each terminal portion 9i is provided with a portion 9|EL of reducedwidth, the walls of recesses 89 and 80 being shaped to accommodateportions 9i and sie with a fairly close 'lt, .and to likewiseaccommodate with a fairly close iit the contact portions @ib formedintegrally with portions 9i and bent upwardly at substantially a rightangle thereto (Figs. 9 and 11). Base 85 is provided with a substantiallyrectangular recess 95 extending from the front face of the contactportions 9 ib to the wall shown in dotted lines at 95a in Fig. 9 and infull lines in Fig. 10, the bottom wall of said recess being designatedby the numeral 95h, and said bottom wall having an extension 95C at theforward end thereof to provide for engagement of the angled sides the,95h of contactor Qt with the adjacent vertical edges of contact portionsSib.

l Contactor 96 is formed of sheet metal, the same being attachedl by aplurality of integral lugs 96C, 96d and 536e to a flat punchedinsulating plate /97 of the form best illustrated in full and dottedPortion 80 of the actuating member is cut away as shown at 80b/toprovide a lug 80 which overlies the aforementioned lug 'Mb of plate 14,said lug 80 being also surrounded by the forward end of spring 18. Thecontour of the cut away portion 89h (Fig. 7) is such that a resilientendwlse and pivoted lost motion is provided between plate 'l4 and theactuating member, whereby self-adjusting engagement between contactor'l2 and the stationary contacts is insured. The cut away portion 881extends through the connecting portion 80d to the upwardly roffset flatportion e of the actuating member, thus providing clearance for thespring 18, as best shown in Fig. 8.

The flat portion 8GB of the actuating member is slidable uponthe-aforementioned ledge 19, and extending upwardly at a right anglethereto is a portion @Ef to be engaged by the radius arm of a concealedhinge, in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1. As aforestated the atpunched insulating plate iii is seated upon ledges @d and 6@ in arelation to overlie the portions 22 of the -v combined contact andterminal members to clamp the latter in position relatively to base 6l,and to insulate the switch contacts and contactor from the metal topplate Si. Plate di is substantially like the plate 5i described inconnection 'with Figs. l to 6. Plate iii is secured to base 6l by meansof four rivets 52, two of which penetrate the insulating plate'YY Vl\topermanently retain the latter in assembled relation.

Plate di is likewise provided with a relatively` narrow forwardlyprojecting resilient lug die which is adapted to permit forcibleinsertion of a fiat punched insulating plate 82 (Fig, 8) in a relationto overlie and enclose the wiring terminal connections of the switch,the forward end of lug 8|a being bent upwardly, as indicated/a lilb; tofacilitate such insertion. Base S'l isoprovided with ledge portions als,@lf and Slg upon which plate d2 is adapted to seat in a relationsubstantially flush with the upper surface of the base, as shown in Fig.8.

Base 6ft is provided with an upwardly opening groove lith which isadapted to accommodate the wires shown in dotted lines at 83 and 86 inFig. 7, base 6l being further recessed at Sli to provide for leading ofsaid wires to opposite sides of the barrier defined by ledge tile, andattachment of the bared ends of the wires by the respective screws 2i.Groove @lh and recess Gli. (Fig. 8) are also adapted to afford a fingergrip upon insulating plate to facilitate removal of the latter. Plateiii is provided at its rear end with a substantially rectangular outaway portion or notch tlc (Fig. 8) to provide clearance for theupstanding lug ttf of the actuating member.

Hate iii is provided with four integral downwardly extending lugs, twoof which are shown .fila provided in plate 91, and lugs Sd and 56e areformed integrally with the aforementioned angled sides 96h and gtie ofthe contactor, all of said lugs being bent inwardly over the lowersurface of plate 9'l as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9. Plate itl isprovided with a second opening 91h which accommodates a downwardlyextending lug this formed integrally with the flat portion cal with thatshown in Figs. 7 and 8, with portions thereof bearing like numerals ofreference), to` provide a pivotal connection between plate 3l and theactuating member.

Plate @l is provided with an integral lug Q'lc (Fig. 10) which underliesand is substantially alined with lug Stic formed on portion Si! of theactuating member, said lugs being jointly surrounded by the forward endcoils of a spring "F8, in the manner described in connection with Figs.'7- and 8. Plate 91 is adapted for sliding movement upon the bottom wall951 of recess 95, and the portion e of the actuating member is slidatdid and title, and said lugs have bent ends, as able upon the 'ledge 98offset downwardly from shown at ttf and bis to provide a snap fasteningl the upper surface of base 85. Spring 'i8 acts in or connection betweenthe same and a bracket the manner. aforedescribed -to effect centeringof member having suitable openings, in the manner .insulating plate Slwhile permitting the desired illustrated in Fig. l, the bosses, one ofwhich is degree of self-adjustment of the latter and of shown at 'li inFig. d, assisting in retaining the the contactor Si@ when moved intoengagement complete switch in proper relation to the afore with thestationary contact portions Qlb, said mentioned supporting bracket.spring acting to bias said contactor into bridging The switchillustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, incluengagement with said contact portionsupon opensive, is quite similar in structure to each of the ing of therefrigerator door, as aforedescribed. switches aforedescribed. Theswitch now to be A at punched insulating plate 99 (Figs. 10 anddescribed differs from the switches aforedescribed ll) is seated uponthe ledges H00 and IDI (Fig. 9) primarily in respect of the form of thecombined and is ladapted for clamping .engagement with contact andWiring terminal members, and in rethe upper edges or" the respectivecontact porlines in Fig. 9. Lug 96C penetrates an opening w of anactuating member (which may be denti- A tions 9|b to retain the combinedcontact and terminal members in assembled relation to the base. A metalplate |02 is superimposed upon the upper surface of base 85 and overliesthe major portion of plate 99, said plate |02 being secured to said baseas by means of four rivets 52, two of which penetrate plate 99 torigidlyv and permanently secure the latter in position. As shown in Fig.10, plate |02 overliesvthe portion 80e of the actuating member in arelation to permit and assist in guiding the sliding movement of thelatter. Plate |02 is notched or cut away at |02a (Figs. l0 and 12)to-provide clearance for the upstanding portion 80t of the actuatingmember, and said plate is provided with a relatively narrow integral lug|02b, lug |02b being flexible or resilient to permit forcible insertionor removal of a fiat punched insulating plate |03 which overlies thewire passage 86 and the terminal screws 2|. Lug |02b is bent upwardly at|02c to facilitate insertion of plate |03, and base 85 is formed asshown at |04 (Figs. 9 and 10) to facilitate manual removal of saidplate.

Formed integrally with plate |02 at one side edge thereof, and bentdownwardly at substantially a right angle thereto are a pair of lugs|02d and |02E, the lower ends of which are bent outwardly at a rightangle thereto, as shown in dotted lines at |02f, |02g in Figs. 10 and11- and in full lines in Fig. 12. Extending downwardly from the.opposite side edge of plate |02 is a lug |02h having a reduced portion|02i the lower end |02j of which extends outwardly and downwardly at anangle of substantially more than 90 degrees. The supporting bracket 94(Fig. 12) is provided with a pair of openings such as 94 into which thelugs |02d, |02e may be inserted to effect hooked engagement of the bentends |021, |||2g thereof with the inner surface of bracket 94. The otherlug |02h is manually pressed inwardly lto the dotted line positionthereof shown in Fig.

12 to provide clearance for the bent end |025 of portion |02 withrespect to an opening 94b in bracket 94, and upon manual release of lug|02h said end |02j moves to the full line position thereof shown in Fig.12 to releasably retain the switch in proper relation to bracket 94. Lug80f` of the switch actua-ting member is adapted to be engaged by theradius arm of a concealed hinge, as heretofore described. As shown inFig. 9, base 05 is provided with ledge portions |05 located in a commonplane upon which the insulating plate |03 is adapted to seat in arelation substantially flush with the upper surface of said base (Figs.10 and 11).

It will be understood that by slight modication of the base I5 shown inFigs. 1 to 6 and of base 6l in Figs. l and 8, combined contact andterminal members of the character shown in Figs. 9 to l2 might beemployed. Various other possible changes in the details of constructionand arrangement of the switch parts will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from the foregoing description.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a door operated switch adapted for conl cealed mounting, incombination, a molded insulating base comprising a single substantiallyrectangular block having a recess formed in one surface thereof, asubstantially fiat sheet metal cover member secured to said base andoverlying said recess, an actuating member having' a portion interposedbetween said metal cover member and said base and slidable in a planeparallel thereto, said actuating member having a substantially rightangled lug extending beyond said metal cover member for engagement by anoperating element .of suitable form, a pair of spaced stationarycontacts located within said recess, a contactor movable rectilinearlysolely within said recess into and out of bridging engagement with saidstationary contacts, said contactor being pivoted to and insulated fromsaid actuating member to provide for positive movement of the formerwith the latter in each direction, and a coiled spring engaged undercompression at one end with said insulating base and at the other cndwith said actuating member and said contactor to bias the same jointlyto only one extreme positionthereof relatively to said base, said 'lugwhen engaged by said operating member providing for movement of saidactuating member and said contactor against the bias of said spring. 2.Ina door operated switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed in the upper surfa-ce thereof, a cover membercomprising aat plate secured to the upper surface of said base andoverlying said recess, an actuating member having a portion interposedbetween said cover member and said base in a plane substantially flushwith the upper surface of the latter and slidable with respect thereto,said actuating member having a lug extending therefrom at substantiallya right angle thereto beyond the outer surface of said cover member forengagement by an operating element of suitable form, a pair of spacedsheet metal stationary contacts located within said recess, a stampedsheet metal contactor movable into and out of bridging engagement withsaid stationary contacts, means including a pivoted pin providing apositive driving connection between said actuating member and saidcontactor, a coiled compres sion spring engaged at .one end with said.base and at its other end with saidactuating member and said contactorto bias the same jointly to only one extreme position thereof withrespect to said base, said last mentioned end of the spring being soengaged with said actuating member and said contactor on opposite sidesof said pivotal connection as to normally hold said contactor in asubstantially centered relation to said actuating member, and said lastmentioned end of the spring yielding to permit relative lateral movementof said contactor with respect to said actuating member as an incidentto engagement of said contactor with said stationary contacts. y

3. In a door operated switch, in combination, a recessedmoldedinsulating base, a pair of spaced stationary contacts and acontactor located within the recess in said' base, an insulating carrierfor said contactor, an actuating member having a driving connection withsaid carrier, said driving connection providing for movement of saidcarrier relatively to said actuating member whereby said contactor isself-adjustable with respect to said contacts, a coiled compressionspring interposed between an end wall of said recess and said carrier tobias said actuating member and said contactor to a given extremeposition wherein the latter engages said station-4 ary contacts, saidspring tending to maintain said carrier in centered relation to saidactuating member, said actuating member having Acut away erating elementof suitable form, a metal cover plate secured to said base, aninsulating member interposed between said cover plate and said base andadapted to overlie said contactor in all positions of the latter, saidstationary contacts being seated upon said base, and said insulatingmember overlying portions of said contacts to rigidly and permanentlysecure the latter in position,

4. In a door operated switch, in combination, a recessed moldedinsulating base, a pair of spaced stationary contacts and a contactorlocated within the recess in said base, an insulating carrier for saidcontactor, an actuating member having a driving connection with saidcarrier, said driving connection providing for movement of said carrierrelatively to said actuating member whereby said contactor isself-adjustable with respect Ito said contacts, a coiled compressionspring interposed between an end wall of said recess and said carrier tobias said actuating member and said contactor to a given extremeposition wherein 'the latter engages said Stationary contacts, saidspring tending to maintain said carrier in centered relation to saidactuating member, said actuating member having cut away and oiTsetportions adapted to provide clearance for said spring, said actuatingmember having a lug extending at substantially a right angle to theoffset portion thereof for engagement by an operating element ofsuitable form, a metal cover plate secured to said base, an insulatingmember interposed between said cover plate and said base and adapted tooverlie said contactor in all positions of the latter, said stationarycontacts being seated upon said base, said insulating member overlyingportions of said contacts to rigidly and permanently secure the latterin position, said cover plate having a plurality of resilient lugsextending at substantially right angles thereto in parallel relation'toand beyond opposite sides respectively of said base, said lugs havingbent end portions, a metal plate having openings formed therein, saidlugs being bendable to provide for passage of the bent ends thereofthrough or withz drawa-l thereof from said plate openings, and said bentends resiliently cooperating with the inner surface of said metal plateto releasablyv retain said switch in proper position.

5. In a door operated electric switch, in combination, a substantiallyrectangular molded insulating base of substantially greater length thanwidth and of substantially greater width than thickness, said basehaving a. recess formed in one surface thereof, a plurality of contactslocated within said recess, one of said contacts being movablerectilinearly in aplane parallel to said surface of said base into andout of bridging engagement with other of said contacts, a stamped sheetmetal `actuating member having a kportion thereof located within saidrecess and slidably movable in a plane parallel to said surface of thebase and another portion projecting upwardly from said recess atsubstantially a right angle to said rst mentioned portion of saidactuating member, means providing a positive driving connection betweensaid actuating member and said movable contact to insure movement of thelatter simultaneously with the former in each direction, a coiledcompression spring engaged at one end with said base and acting at itsIk other end to bias said actuating member and said overlying at least aportion of said recess, said metal cover member cooperating with saidbase to assist in guiding said actuating member, and a flat, punchedinsulating plate interposed between said metal cover .member a-nd saidcontacts in the engaged and disengaged positions of the latter.

6. In a door operated electric switch, in combination, a substantiallyrectangular molded insulating base of substantially greater length thanwidth and of substantially greater width than' thickness, said basehaving a recess formed in one surface thereof, a plurality of contactslocated within said recess, one of said contacts being movablelongitudinally of said base into and out of bridging engagement withother of said contacts, an actuating'member having a portion thereoflocated within said recess and another portion projecting from saidrecess at substantially a right angle to said base, means providing adriving connection between said actuating member and said movablecontact, a coiled compression spring acting to bias said actuatingmember and said movable contact jointly to a given extreme positionthereof, a metal cover member attached to said base and overlying at,"least a portion of said recess, said cover member cooperating withsaid base to assist in guiding saidactuating member, an insulating plateinterposed between said cover member and said contacts in the engageda-nd disengaged positions of the latter, said cover member having aplurality of resilient lugs formed integrally therewith and extendingrearwardly therefrom in spaced relation to the respective sides of saidbase beyond the rear surface of the latter, said lugs having outwardbends adjacent to the free ends thereof, a metal bracket having openingsformed therein in substantial alinement with said lugs, the free ends ofsaid lugs being insertable into said openings, and the bends in saidlugs being resiliently engageable with the inner edges of said openingsto releasably retain said switch in assembled relation to said bracket.

7. In a door operated switch, in combination,

terposed between an end wall of said recess and` said carrier andactuating member whereby the latter and said contactor are biased to agiven extremeposition, said spring also acting to resiliently retainsaid carrier in a given relation to said actuating member, saidactuating member comprising a punched and stamped metal piece having cutaway and offset portions to jointly provide clearance for said spring,said base having a ledge upon which said olset portion is adapted toslide in a plane slightly below the first mentioned surface of saidbase, a metal cover plate rigidly secured to said base and overlying aportion of said recess, said cover plate overlying at least a part Vofthe offset portion of said actuating member to assist in guiding thelatter, said oiset portion having an integral lug extending therefrom atsubstantially a right angle thereto for engagement by a mova-bleoperating element of suitable form, and said plate being formed to onesurface thereof, a pair of one-piece combined contact and wiringterminal members loosely positioned in spaced relation within saidrecess and restrained by the' walls thereof against relative movement inthe plane of said base, the contact portions of said members havingadjacent vertical edges, a contactor slidably movable into and out ofbridging engagement with said edges, an insulating carrier for saidcontacter, an actuating member having a pivotal driving connection withsaid carrier, a coiled compression spring interposed between an end wallof said recess and said carrier and actuating member whereby the latterand said contacter are biased to a given extreme position, said springalso acting to resiliently retainsaid carrier in a given relation tosaid actuating member, said actuating member comprising a punched andstamped metal piece having cut away and offset portions to jointlyprovide clearance for said spring, said base having a ledge upon whichsaid offset portion is adaptedto slide in a plane slightly below theiirst mentioned surface of said base, a metal cover plate rigidlysecured to said base and overlying a portion of'said recess, said coverplate overlying at least a part of the offset portion of said actuatingmember to assist in guiding the latter, said offset portion having anintegral lug extending therefrom at substantially a right angle theretofor engagement by a movable operating element of suitable form, saidplate being formed to provide clearance for said lug, and an insulatingplate interposed between said cover member and said base and overlyingthe contact portions of said combined contact and wiring terminalmembers to rigidly and permanently secure the same against upwarddisplacement from said recess.

9. In a door operated switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed in one surface thereof, a pair of one-piececombined contact and wiring terminal members loosely positioned inspaced relation within said recess and restrained by the walls thereofagainst relative movement in the plane of said base, the contactportions of said members having adjacent vertical edges, a contacterslidably movable into and out of bridging engagement with said edges, aninsulating carrier for sa-id contactor, an actuating member having apivotal driving connection with said carrier, a coiled compressionspring interposed between an end wall of said recess and said carrierand actuating member whereby the latter and said contactor are biased toa given extreme position, said spring also acting to resiliently retainsaid carrier in a given relation to said actuating member, saidactuating member comprising a punched and stamped metal piece having cutaway and offset portions to jointly provide clearance for said spring,said base having a ledge upon which said offset portion is adapted toslide in a plane slightly below the first mentioned surface of saidbase, a metal cover plate rigidly secured to said base and overlying aportion of said recesssaid cover plate overlying at least a part of theoffset portion of said actuating member to assist in guiding the latter,said offset portion having an integral lug extending therefrom atsubstantially a right angle thereto for engagement by a movableoperating element of suitable form, said plate being formed to provideclearance for said lug, an insulating plate interposed between saidcover member and said base and overlying the contact portions of saidcombined contact and wiring terminal members to rigidly Iand permanentlysecure the same against upward displacement from said recess, said covermember having a relatively narrow resilient lug extending over thatportion of the base recess in which the terminal portions 'of thecombined contact and terminal members are located, said base havingother ledge portions formed thereon, and a flat insulating plateinsertable under said last mentioned lug and releasablyl retainedthereby in seated relation to said ledge portions.

l0. In a door operated switch, in combination, a molded insulating basehaving a recess formed in one surface thereof, a pair of one-piececombined contact and wiring terminal members loosely positioned inspaced relation within said recess and restrained by the walls thereofagainst relative movement in the plane of said base, the contactportions of said members having adjacent vertical edges, a contactorslidably movable intoand out of bridging engagement with said edges, aninsulating carrier for said contactor, an

actuating member having a pivotal driving connection with said carrier,a coiled compression springinterposed between an end wall of said re-`cess and said carrier and actuating member whereby the latter and saidcontacter are biased to a given extreme position, said spring alsovacting to resiliently reta-in said carrier in a given relation to saidactuating member, said actuating member comprising a punched and stampedI metal piece having cut away and offset portions lying a portion ofsaid recess, said cover plate overlying at least a part of the offsetportion of said actuating member to assist in guiding the latter, saidoffset portion having an integral lug extending therefrom atsubstantially a right angle thereto for engagement by a movableoperating element of suitable form, said plate being formed to provideclearance for said lug, an insulating plate interposed between saidcover member and said base and overlying the contact portions of saidcombined contact and wiring terminal members to rigidly and permanentlysecure the same against upward displacementfrom said recess, said covermember having a relatively narrow resilient lug extending over thatportion of the base recess' in which the terminal portions of thecombined contact and terminal members are located, said base havingotherl ledge portions formed thereon, a flat insulating plate insertableunder said last mentioned lug and releasably retained thereby in seatedrelationv plate, whereby removal yof the latter is facilitated.

V11. In a device of the character described, in combination, a wall anda door having a concealed hinge connection therebetween, said hingeconnection including a radius arm positioned lradius arm for operationby the latter against said bias -upon movement of said door-towardclosed position relatively to said Wall, said switch mechanism includinga recessed molded insulating base, a metal cover plate overlying therecess in said base, said cover plate having a plurality of resilientlugs extending rearwardly therefrom beyond said base, a rnetal bracketwithin said wall, said. bracket having openings formed therein insubstantial alinement with said lugs, and said lugs having bentend-portions engageable under tension with the walls of said openings toreleasably retain said switch mechanism in assembled relation to saidbracket.

12. In a device of the character described, in

combination a wall and a door, said wall having a A recess formedtherein and said door having a hinge member including an arcuate portionrigidly attached thereto and a radius arm portion pivotally supportedwithin said recess, a cover member for said recess having an opening toprovide clearance for said arcuate portion while providing forconcealment of said radius arm in all positions of said door, a fiatmetal bracket arranged in spaced relation to the free end of said radiusarm, said bracket having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein,a switch mechanism including a molded insulating base having a rearsurface adapted to seat atwise against said bracket, said base having arecess opening to the forward surface thereof, a metal cover memberoverlying at least a portion of said recess, said cover member having aplurality of resilient lugs extending rearwardly therefrom and adaptedto penetrate said bracket openings, the free ends of said lugs beingdeformed to provide for resilient and releasabie retention of said baselin assembledl relation to said bracket, an actuating member slidabl-yAinterposed between said cover member and said base, a coiledcompression spring locatedwithin said recess and engaged with saidactuating member to bias the latter to n. given extreme position, andsaid actuating member having an integral lug extending at sub stantiallya right angle to said cover plate and located in the path of said radiusarm for operation by the latter against vthe bias of said spring uponmovement of saidA door toward closed .position.

i3. In a device of the character described, in combination, a wall and adoor. said wa-ll having a recess formed therein and said door having ahinge member including an arcuate portion rigidly attached thereto and aradius arm portion pivotally supported within said recess, a covermember for said recess having an opening to provide clearance for saidarcuate portion while providing for concealment of said radius arm inall positions of said door, a flat metal bracket arranged in spacedrelation to the free end of said radius arm, said bracket having aplurality of spaced openings formed therein, a switch mechanismincluding a molded insulating base having a rear surface adapted to seatfla-twise against said bracket, said base having a recess opening to theforward surface thereof, a metal cover member overlying at least aportion of sa-id recess, said cover member having a plurality ofresilient lugs extending rearwardly therefrom and adapted to penetratesaid bracket openings, the

free vends of said lugs being deformed to provide for resilient andreleasable retention of said base in assembled relation to said bracket,an actuating member slidably interposed between said cover member andsaid base, a coiled compression spring located within said recess andengaged with said actuating member to bias the latter to,

a given extreme position, said actuating member having an integral lugextending at substantially a right angle to said cover plate and locatedin the path of said radius arm for operation by the latter against thebias of said spring upon movement of said door toward closed position, apair of spaced stationary contacts located within said recess, acontactor slidable within said recess into and 'out of bridgingengagement with said contacts, and means providing both a positivedriving connection and a resilient lost motion connection between saidactuating member and said contacter.

14. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating baserecessed from one surface thereof to accommodate a pair of wiringterminal plates positioned flatwise in a common plane in side by siderelationship with an insulating barrier therebetween, stationary switchcontacts formed integrally with the respective terminal plates andhaving contact edge portions laterally alined with but spaced from eachother, said base having a pair of laterally extending alined notchesformed in said surface thereof and leading to said terminal plates toaccommodate a divided circuit wire the bare ends of which are attachedto said terminal plates, said base having a second pair of laterallyextending alined notches which communicate with a zigzag groove formedtherebetween, said groove being adapted to accommodate an insulatedthrough wire bent l,

to conform thereto, a dat, punched plate of insulating materialoverlying said terminal plates and said groove to retain said throughwire Within the latter, said through wire forming part of a two-wirecord whereby the former serves as a strain relief for the wire endsattached to said terminal plates, a punched and stamped sheet metalplate the main body portion of which is rigidly and permanently securedto said surface of the base, said metal plate having a resilient lug atone end of said main body portion thereof overlying said insulatingplate to releasably retain the latter in assembled position, a secondiat, punched plate of insulating material interposed between the mainbody portion of said metal plate and said base and engaged with saidcontacts to retain the latter in assembled position, and a contactermovable rectilinearly relatively to said base into and out of bridgingengagement with the edge portions of said contacts.

15. In a device of the character described, in

` combination, a wall and a door having a con- Sil gli

movement of said door toward closed position relatively to said wall,the supporting means for said switch comprising a metal cover memberhaving at least one resilient lug formed integrally therewith andextending therefrom at substan' tially a right angle thereto, said lughaving a bend adjacent the free end thereof, and said wall having anopening formed in a part thereof to accommodate the bent end of saidresilient lug and to provide a snap interlocking connection with thelatter.

16. In a door operated switch adapted for concealed mounting, incombination, a single insulating base, a substantially iiat sheet metalcover member secured to and overlying said base, an actuating memberhaving a portion interposed between said metal cover member and saidbase and slidable in a plane parallel thereto, said ac- 4coiled springengaged under compression at one end with said insulating base and atthe other end with said actuating member and said contactor tocontinuously bias the same jointly toward only one'extreme positionthereof rela- 1 tively t0 said base.

GEORGE J. HEUER.

